ARMADA, Mich. — Patty Paxton, an elementary school teacher
in Armada Area Public Schools, received one of 55 Milken National Educator
Awards this year, the Milken Family Foundation announced.

The $25,000 unrestricted awards are given to educators who,
among other criteria, teach in ways that result in measurable student academic
growth, according to the Foundation. According to information at the foundation
website, Paxton's students made gains of 46 percent in math and English
language arts on the Michigan Education Assessment Program tests in 2009.

The announcement said Paxton created a homework club for
students, holds workshops for parents and hosts a summer program for students
to keep up their skills.

Educators are recommended for Milken Awards by a panel
appointed by each state's department of education, the announcement said.